'Mary Kom' to 'Last Holiday': 5 uplifting movies on Netflix to make your day

Sometimes, you might not feel like the best version of yourself — you might not even feel like an ok version of yourself — and that’s perfectly fine. Everyone has bad days... when they feel like leaving everything and running off somewhere far from their lives. And although I can’t help you find a solution to your problem, I can offer you a small piece of advice: Take a break. Here are five movies on Netflix that could inspire you to do your best and keep going. Take a small break and choose your pick from these great movies to get a small dose of motivation.

Mary Kom

A 2014 Bollywood film starring former Miss World Priyanka Chopra in the lead role, Mary Kom is a Biographical film based on the life of the Indian Olympic boxer Mary Kom. The movie chronicles the journey of one of the top female boxers — from her humble beginnings as the daughter of a farmer in Imphal, Manipur, to becoming an Olympic winner and one of the most celebrated athletes in India. Her determination to conquer the dream she saw as a child is truly inspirational. Chopra considers the film quite close to her heart, as it was her way of grieving her late father. She trained for four months to learn the sport and build her body for it. Directed by Omung Kumar, this movie was a commercial and critical success and is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports or the actress.

Vaathi/Sir

Vaathi (Sir in Telugu) is a film that presents the schemes and ploys used by private educational institutions in India to earn profit. Bala, played by Dhanush, is a junior lecturer at one such institution. He is appointed at a government school where many underprivileged students study. They are not interested in education and do not believe it will make a change in their lives, much like their parents. However, Bala does not give up and tries his best to improve the lives of these students, making them write a competitive exam and helping them transform their lives. A movie that shows how hard work can change your life for the better, this 2023 period drama by Venky Atluri (who later directed Lucky Bhaskar) will both inspire and entertain you. Available in all major South Indian languages and Hindi on Netflix, be sure to check out this film.

Queen

A timid and sheltered 24-year-old ends up going on her dream honeymoon trip to Paris alone after her wedding is called off by her fiancé. This is the story of Rani, played by Kangana Ranaut in the extremely popular Bollywood movie Queen.  A Bollywood film released in 2014, Queen by Vikas Bahl, is a movie that motivates you to fly outside and enjoy freedom without depending on anyone else. The movie follows Rani as she slowly gains the confidence to enjoy, meet new friends, and love herself through her experiences in Paris and Amsterdam. She learns that her worth is not tied to anyone but herself. She truly becomes a Queen, true to her name. Considered one of the best Indian films of all time and an iconic feminist film, this movie will make you want to explore and find confidence, just like Rani. With a lovable lead and her wonderful friends from different parts of the world, this is a movie you will go back to again and again. 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

A film that tells the story of a young boy devising a solution for a problem troubling his village. Starring Maxwell Simba as the lead, the film is based on the true story of William Kambawka, who built a Windmill from the few resources available to him, even when his own family discouraged him. A 2020 British entry for Best International Film Feature, the film shows how William yearns to learn and finds ways for it even when he is unable to pay for his tuition and how he ultimately ends up building something that will save his whole village. Lauded for its direction and acting, the film will inspire you to work for your dreams, even when you feel like giving up.

Last Holiday

Starring Queen Latifah as the main lead, the 2006 film Last Holiday is the story of a shy Georgia Byrd. A cookware saleswoman, she is excellent at her job. However, she is not confident in herself. This changes when she is told that she has just a month left, as she has Lampington’s disease. To make sure she has no regrets before she leaves the world, she uses all of her savings and goes on her dream vacation. Now, she is no longer afraid to speak her mind and has confidence like never before. She is not scared of anything or anyone. Although not a conventional motivational movie, with its satisfying scenes and a happy romantic plot, this movie will motivate you to take a stand for yourself and stay confident. A film that inspires you to live in the present and find the best version of yourself, this is just the perfect film to enjoy when you want something happy and chill to end your day with.

Each movie gives us something to learn — lessons on perseverance, self-confidence, or hard work. So the next time you are on Netflix, check out one of these films; they might encourage you in one way or another. And remember, keep trying even if you feel like you are reaching nowhere. Ultimately, you will get to where you are meant to be.

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